The moments, hours, and days after a motorcycle accident can be some of the most stressful in your life. You’re dealing with painful injuries, lost wages from missing work, and calls from at-fault parties and their insurance companies.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in recovering maximum compensation for your losses. When evaluating candidates, consider the following factors:
Reputation
Find out about an attorney’s reputation in the community and within the legal industry. You should also check their online reviews and testimonials. Look for an attorney with a solid track record in negotiating with insurance companies and taking cases to trial.
Many accidents that involve a motorcycle are caused by other motorists, but the rider can also be held liable if the accident was due to faulty bike parts or roadway conditions. For example, a construction company could be responsible for unsafe road conditions, and the state if there is inadequate signage or poor maintenance. In addition, the rider may receive damages for the loss of electronic items or other personal possessions.
Experience
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, it can cause severe medical injuries that require expensive treatment. These injuries can also lead to hefty lost income from being unable to work, as well as physical and psychological pain and suffering.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek full compensation for all your losses. They’ll take the time to gather all of the information needed to build a strong case, including copies of medical reports and images from the scene of the crash. They’ll also work to get eyewitness statements and evidence of the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing.
A New York City motorcycle accident attorney can also help you navigate the complex insurance claims process. They’ll anticipate the strategies that insurance companies may use to avoid financial liability and aggressively fight for your fair settlement. They can even bring in specialists to strengthen your claim, such as medical experts to discuss the extent of your injuries or accident reconstructionists to explain how the accident happened.
Communication
The attorney and the client must remain in communication. The attorney should be able to answer questions promptly, and be able to address any concerns that the client may have. The attorney should also provide regular updates on the progress of the case.
Many victims suffer from serious injuries that lead to costly medical bills, loss of income, and physical as well as emotional pain and suffering. Unless they are able to recover fair compensation from negligent parties involved in their accident, they might be facing financial disaster.
A good lawyer will help you with your recovery and get you the compensation you deserve. They will also work with eyewitnesses, collect evidence, and prepare the claim for filing. They will also assist you in negotiating with the insurance company. If you cannot reach a settlement, they will represent you in court. They should be searchable by their state bar association and have no past problems with the bar.
Fees
Depending on the attorney, they may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Ideally, look for an attorney who works on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and your attorney will receive a percentage of the settlement or award. This aligns your interests with your attorney’s and gives them motivation to negotiate the largest possible settlement.
Ensure you are adequately compensated for your losses, including medical treatment, future care needs, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress and more. Often, initial insurance company settlements do not fully address these losses.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case will likely go to trial. A seasoned lawyer will be able to present your case in court effectively and get you the compensation you deserve. They will also handle all communications with the insurance company, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. They will obtain eye witness information, assess the accident scene and interview witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.